Steve Martin is an entertainment juggernaut who has been providing laughs for over five decades. After getting his start in the entertainment business, writing for shows like “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” (1967-1969), Martin became one of the most popular comedians of the 1970s. Later, he appeared in many television shows and movies, which only propelled him to superstardom.
What’s cool about an entertainer like Steve Martin is that he’s recognizable in many roles. What you remember him most from largely depends on your age. In this blog, we’ll look at some of Steve Martin’s most iconic film roles to see what performances cemented his status as a comedian extraordinaire.
1. “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” (1987)
This movie is one of the most beloved in Steve Martin’s filmography. It was written and directed by John Hughes. At the time, Hughes was most known for giving the world teen ’80s classics like “Sixteen Candles” (1984) and “Pretty in Pink” (1986). “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” departed from that teen-focused repertoire.
The movie stars Steve Martin and John Candy. The former plays an uptight marketing executive, while the latter is an annoying salesman. The two become unlikely travel partners in this road-trip comedy as they travel to Chicago before Thanksgiving day. Watching Martin’s character slowly lose his cool throughout the film is always a joy.
2. “The Jerk” (1979)
“The Jerk” was Martin’s first starring role in a feature film. While the premise and some of the jokes feel painfully outdated by today’s comedic standards, this project is what introduced the world to Martin as a bonafide movie star.
Martin stars as Navin, the white adopted son of black sharecroppers in Mississippi. As you can imagine, there’s plenty of room for out-of-whack comedy with a premise like that! Navin doesn’t see himself as different from his black family but ultimately decides to leave home and find his purpose. Despite some outdated jokes, it’s a great movie with lots of heart.
3. “L.A. Story” (1991)
“L.A. Story” sees Martin as a weatherman discouraged by his life in Los Angeles. While he holds a Ph. D. in arts and humanities, Martin’s character sees his career and life as uninspiring as he continues to become more pessimistic at what he views as superficial and pretentious L.A.
The movie follows Martin’s character as he falls in love with a journalist from London. Throughout his journey, he sees traffic signs that look tailor-made to his life. Those signs help him steer his life in the right direction, overcoming a formerly dead-end life.
4. “All of Me” (1984)
Steve Martin elevated his entertainer status with his role in “All of Me.” It’s one of his most critically acclaimed performances, and he earned many accolades, including his second Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor.
In this film, Martin stars opposite the incomparable Lily Tomlin. Martin plays an attorney who inadvertently ends up having to share his body and soul with a deceased heiress. Martin’s performance is so compelling that he can truly show off his physical comedy chops. He’s essentially playing two roles, one of a man and another of a posh woman.
5. “Roxanne” (1987)
“Roxanne” is a weird movie with an outlandish premise on paper. It’s a modern take on the play Cyrano de Bergerac. In it, Martin plays Charlie, the fire chief. Despite being well-liked by the community, Charlie is most self-conscious about his large nose. Martin wears a crazy prosthetic in this role, making his nose look too big to be real!
When a new woman moves into town, Charlie helps a socially awkward friend win her heart. However, he’s also secretly pining for her, too.
6. “Parenthood” (1989)
This movie, directed by Ron Howard, was so successful that it spawned a television series! It’s about a sales executive who struggles to balance his career with his family life. Steve Martin is the patriarch of a large family full of rambunctious kids with distinct personalities and needs. Martin’s character struggles to be the father figure his kids need while also having success in his job.
Martin’s comedic chops are on full display throughout “Parenthood.” He does well with the “kid in an adult body” role, using his physical comedy and impeccable timing to bring the laughs.
7. “Father of the Bride” (1991)
“Father of the Bride” is a remake of a movie starring Elizabeth Taylor, released in 1950. It was a tall order to remake an iconic film like that, but this film lived up to the hype. Steve Martin plays the role of an overprotective father who recalls the events that led to his 22-year-old daughter’s wedding.
Steve Martin shines in this role. He stars opposite Diane Keaton, and many critics attribute the film’s success to the two stars’ natural chemistry. The film was a hit and led to a sequel four years later.
8. “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” (1988)
Steven Martin’s performance in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is widely praised. The film is another remake, but Martin and his co-stars make it one-of-a-kind. Set in the French Riviera, Martin stars as a con artist who goes head-to-head with another conman, played by Michael Caine, to swindle a shared target: a wealthy American heiress on vacation.
The two work hard to outdo one another, getting themselves into crazy situations as they try to trick a target who is more cunning than they realize.
9. “Three Amigos” (1986)
“Three Amigos” is another film that may be controversial by today’s standards. Even upon release in the ’80s, it received some harsh reviews from critics. However, the movie earned cult classic status as more people tuned in once it hit the movie rental market.
Steve Martin stars alongside Chevy Chase and Martin Short, two other comedy powerhouses. The trio plays silent movie actors who get mistaken for real heroes when they visit a struggling Mexican village. Not wanting to disappoint those good people, the actors take on a group of real-life bandits.
10. “Bringing Down the House” (2003)
“Bringing Down the House” was a huge box office success and became one of Martin’s most profitable projects. In this 2003 hit, Martin plays a lonely upper-class attorney looking for love on the Internet. He thinks he’s found his dream girl, but she turns out to be an escaped convict trying to prove her innocence. Martin stars opposite Queen Latifah, a pairing that works surprisingly well.
The unlikely chemistry between the two actors is impressive. Many critics praise the partnership, and the box office numbers show audiences loved it just as much!
Which Steve Martin Role Do You Love Most?
Steve Martin has appeared in over 50 movies and countless T.V. roles throughout his long-running career. While you would expect the comedian to slow down as he approaches 80, his career is still strong. But even as he stars opposite young starlets like Selena Gomez, long-time fans know him for his groundbreaking comedic roles, making him one of the most respected and beloved actors ever.
